Memorial Day

For Memorial Day we drove to America's D Day Monument in Bedford, Virginia just an hour and a half from here. The United States decided to put the monument there because they had the highest number of lost soldiers per capita in any US City. Twenty two were lost from that tiny town that day on June 6, 1945. It was special to be there and feel of the love and sacrifice that town has given for the world and for our Country.

We went to 'Biscuitville' for breakfast, and of course we had to get the 'Stan Sandwich' for Stanley. It's a chain that is only in North Carolina and a couple in Virginia I think. Fun food and good times together.

Hiking in Virginia's beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains

Perfect, sunny and 70 degree weather - yesterday we couldn't pass up this opportunity to be outside and do some hiking for the first time around Virginia's beautiful blue ridge Mountains. Mason was a CHAMP - hiking at least a mile and a half of it. He loved being the leader. At the end of the trail was a lake. We saw fish, dragon flies, caterpillars, and much more. It was so refreshing to be outside in the beautiful nature for several hours together. My favorite parts were holding Nate's hand and talking. The whole hike was a success no sunburns or bites, and both boys took naps in the backpack on the way back. I think we will definitely be doing a repeat.

DC - Picasso and the Temple

For Memorial Day Weekend we took another trip to DC, this time to see a portrait done of Nate's Great-Great Grandmother done by Picasso which is kept at the National Gallery, and to go to the Temple. We got a private viewing of this beautiful piece. It's an amazing story. She had TB for five years, at the end of which she went to the south of France. There she met Picasso and asked him to do her portrait. It's fun to see some of her features in my boys. She must have been quite a woman!

sketch of Nate's Great-Great Grandmother...and kisses from Mason

Mason was so good that he got a popsicle in DC

Yorktown/Virginia Beach

We had such a fun chance to spend a few days together in Yorktown and Virginia Beach. We visited the newly finished Victory Center in Yorktown, had some fun food, and went to the beach. This is how we celebrated our Stanley's 1st Birthday. We love this boy so much!!! Happy Birthday, Stan the ÷÷man!¬≤

A friendly neighbor brought us his grand-daughter's jeep when he saw me on a walk with Mason and Stan. Mason gladly took Stan on  a ride around town.

I just can't get enough of that right there!!! Heart melts at those two!

Gosh I love that kid!!!

Chrysler Museum in Norfolk - amazing to watch them make glass sculptures

Jolibee a fun Filipino fast food restaurant. Since my parent's served their mission there, we couldn't pass it up!

gathering sea shells at Virginia Beach

post-fun in the sun

UVA Baseball

Not only does UVA have a stellar basketball team, but their baseball team is good as well. Nate said I think they've won a few championships in the last few years. So we couldn't miss the chance after school was over to watch them play. Fun times!

Violin Student Recital

I got to watch my students perform in their first recital. They all began in January and have made amazing progress the last few months. I am so proud of them. Special thanks to my friend Lauren for letting us join her piano students at this Church hall. Just love that girl!

New Piano

For my birthday, Nate got me a piano (a goodie from Craig's List). Our friends here moved it for us (ANGELS!), and we have been enjoying it ever since. It's especially fun for me to see how much my boys enjoy it. Listening to Nate play the piano is the best thing ever. I am so happy - to me a piano is like the soul of a home.